| For Immediate Release Case # 04NF4197 August 13, 2007 |
Contact: Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486 |
17-YEAR-OLD CONVICTED
OF FORCIBLY SODOMIZING AND ROBBING
FOUR YOUNG BOYS AS THEY WALKED TO SCHOOL
SANTA ANA – A jury convicted 17-year-old Jose Ignacio Avina today for committing a series of forcible sodomies and robberies against three young boys as they walked to and from school in Anaheim when he was 14-years-old. Avina, of Anaheim, was tried as an adult and found guilty of 11 felonies including two counts of sodomy by force, one count of forcible oral copulation, one count of kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, two counts of kidnapping to commit robbery, two counts of 2nd degree robbery, two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat, and one count of attempted 2nd degree robbery, The jury also found true a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. Avina faces a maximum sentence of life in prison at his sentencing on November 30, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On October 4, 2004, then 14-year-old Avina approached 12-year-old John Doe #1, who was walking home from school. He forced the victim to go to the defendant’s house, held a knife up and threatened the victim. Avina sodomized John Doe #1 at his home.
On October 27, 2004, the defendant approached a second victim, 13-year-old John Doe #2, who was walking to school. Avina pulled out a knife and ordered the victim to move into a back alley. He threatened and robbed the victim before the victim was able to run and escape.
On November 15, 2004, Avina attacked John Doe #3, 12, while the victim was walking to school. Avina forced the victim at knife point into a secluded storage unit. He robbed John Doe #3 and forcefully sodomized him. That same day, Avina attempted to rob another 12-year-old boy at knife point, but the victim was able to escape and run away.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kal Kaliban of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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